Postdoc in particle astrophysics in Astrocent – Research Group 4: Ultrapure SiPMs and Associated Readout Electronics

Application deadline: 28 February 2021

Please apply only via email – All material should be sent to recruitment@astrocent.pl

Link to the job offer on Euraxess

Applications are invited for one postdoctoral position in the Ultrapure SiPMs and Associated Readout Electronics group led by Dr Masayuki Wada, and to engage in research on direct dark matter detection experiments with liquid argon target: DarkSide-50, DEAP-3600, and DarkSide-20k. The primary responsibility of this position is to develop radiopure Silicon-based photosensors, as well as to participate in the construction and commissioning of the DarkSide-20k experiment including its prototypes. The successful candidate will also take an active role in the ongoing R&D projects towards the precise calibration for low energy nuclear recoils in liquid argon detectors. The position will be based at AstroCeNT in Warsaw, Poland, and may involve occasional travels to LNGS underground laboratory in Italy or CERN.

We are seeking applicants that received their PhD in experimental particle or nuclear physics or related fields within the past 5 years. In particular, we are looking for applicants with experience in data analysis, data acquisition, or hardware development. The position is available immediately. The initial term is for two years with an option of renewal if mutually agreed.

Astrocent (https://astrocent.camk.edu.pl) — Particle Astrophysics Science and Technology Centre — was established on 1 July 2018 following an award of nearly 38 million PLN (nearly 9M Euro, over 10M USD) within the framework of the International Research Agendas Programme of the Foundation for Polish Science, follow the link.

At AstroCeNT, research is focused primarily on the areas of the detection of gravitational waves and dark matter using advanced technological instruments, whose development has been among the prime areas of activity of the Centre. However, it is planned to engage in other areas of theoretical and experimental research in particle astrophysics, beyond gravitational waves and dark matter.

AstroCeNT has developed close collaborative links with several institutions in Europe and outside, in particular with our strategic partners APC (Astroparticle and Cosmology Laboratory) in Paris and the McDonald Institute in Canada. More collaborations are being established.

Currently AstroCeNT comprises six international research groups of physicists and engineers:

– SiPM Systems for Astroparticle Physics and Medical Physics (leader: Dr Marcin Kuźniak);
– Seismic Sensors (leader: Professor Tomasz Bulik);
– Electronics and Data Acquisition and Processing (leader: Dr Mariusz Suchenek);
– Ultrapure SiPMs and Associated Readout Electronics (leader: Dr Masayuki Wada);
– Scientific Computing & Information Technology (leader: Professor Piotr Gawron);
– Particle Astrophysics (leader: Professor Leszek Roszkowski).

Expansion to other activities in the field will be considered in the future.

AstroCeNT is formally a new administrative division of Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences – an internationally leading institute in astronomy and astrophysics. The Centre is led by Professor Leszek Roszkowski.

AstroCeNT is conveniently located in the city centre, with easy access from rail stations and airports. The center occupies a suite of spacious and modern labs and offices on the top floor of a modern building (CZiTT) of Warsaw University of Technology in order to foster communication and cooperation with local engineers and physicists, and to enhance scientific and academic environment. The site is also well connected with Physics Department of the University of Warsaw and the main site of the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Centre and other research institutes in Warsaw.

AstroCeNT strongly values the diversity of candidates and is very committed to the equality of opportunity.

Key responsibilities include:

– actively participating in the research program at AstroCeNT;
– active cooperation with other research teams at AstroCeNT;
– being prepared to apply for grants.

Profile of candidates:

Ability to work and collaborate in research teams in a competitive environment.
Strong track record of past research.
Potential to attract grant funding.

Remuneration: Gross monthly salary of 12 000 PLN, including social and health insurance and tax (expected net salary: about 8,750.00 PLN).

Job type: Employment contract

Position starts as soon as possible.

Required documents:

1. curriculum vitae,

2. statement of research interests,

3. publication list,

4. photocopy of PhD diploma,

5. At least two, preferably three, letters of reference,

6. scan of signed GDPD form (available from https://www.camk.edu.pl/en/about/ochrona-danych-osobowych/#rodocent),

7. copy of PhD thesis (if not confidential).

All the material should be sent by email to: recruitment@astrocent.pl

We offer:

Stimulating, international, English speaking research environment in a new center of excellence;
Possibility to develop frontline research in gravitational wave research, in collaboration with the other teams of Astrocent and with our strategic partner APC;
Funding for research, travel and basic equipment.
Scientific, organizational and technical support, including standard research facilities.